What is your all-time favourite superhero movie? Is it one of the Batman or Superman films? Maybe it is a Marvel movie, like Captain America: The First Avenger, or the Iron Man Trilogy? Or even the X-Men series?
Have you ever just sat down after watching one of these great superhero movies and thought 'Man ... I wish I could become a superhero like Bruce Wayne, or Steve Rogers!' I'm pretty suremost of us have!
We're just not invincible
However, the reality of the world we live in today makes it hard to believe in heroes. We often feel the weight of the world build upon our shoulders as we realise we aren't as invincible as we think, or often want to believe.
In every great superhero film there is usually a similar storyline. It often starts with the introduction to our hero's life, their journey and their skillset. This then leads on to the testing point where our protagonist pushes their limits to destroy the evil opponent. During—or sometimes after—the gripping battle comes redemption, where the hero realises the importance of their fight and tries to stop the 'bad guys' once and for all.
As the film draws to a close and our hero's problems are resolved,leaving them with their chin held high and proud as they have heroically saved the day, we tend to think about our lives and the possibilities we would have if we too had superpowers. I mean, who wouldn't want to have epic superpowers?
Finding the real hero
As we live on we come across the tough trials life throws at us. From the things we do, to the things we wish we had the power to do, and no matter how hard we try we cannot satisfy our heroic need; but I know someone who can.
We are so fascinated and fixed on these ideologies and this yearning for a hero to come and save us from our troubles and worries. We overlook the ultimate hero: Jesus.
In the trenches with us
A hero is not someone who can throw a punch and kill. A hero is someone who is selfless in the face of danger, someone who finds the strength to persevere in even the most overwhelming of challenges and, most importantly, is willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good: so someone else may live.
This is exactly what Jesus did. He came down to Earth and gave His own life so that we may have eternal life in Heaven with Him. No matter how much we have sinned, how much pain we have endured, nothing comes close to the love God has for us.
God sentHis only son Jesus to die on the cross so we might live. Not only does this express a true representation of heroism, but it also demonstrates God's grace and unconditional love for us as His children.
Jesus guides those who trust Him through the dark trenches of misery; He is right there alongside us, holding the lantern high. When we get knocked down in the battle of life, He is always there to help us stand against our hardships. He is there, and He always will be.
Better than the Hollywood version
Superhero films will be soon flooding our cinema screens, and it is a good time to reflect on our true hero: Jesus Christ, the one who willingly and selflessly gave Himself so that you and I could live eternally with Him.
We can't see Jesus zooming through city skyscrapers wearing a bright red cape, or wielding a shield made of vibranium steel against rising evil forces. He is way more powerful than any superhero we could ever hope to dream of.
Jesus will step in front of you and save you from your enemies as you stand on the battlefield. He is your mighty shield, who will protect you and be with you in any circumstance.
We are all sinners, but we are set free from the chains of sin by the love and grace of our God who forgives and loves unconditionally. Jesus is the key to our righteousness. No matter where we go, or who we are with, what trials we face or what things we cannot seem to overcome, Jesus is always there.
When we feel all alone, and our strength is draining, God is our strength and our protector. Our omnipresent God. My superhero. Now that is pure power.
'Take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.' (Ephesians chapter 6, verse 16).
Cartia Moore is a connoisseur of fine chocolate and a sword fighter, trained and skilled in the art of fencing. She is currently studying a bachelor of arts majoring in drama. Her focus is film, television and sword-fighting sequences. She hopes to graduate and form her own drama and acting school.
Cartia Moore's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cartia-moore.html